Markakis returns, Soroka dominates as Braves down Nats

Veteran outfielder Nick Markakis celebrated his return to active roster with a pair of hits and rookie Mike Soroka threw six shutout innings to help the visiting Atlanta Braves defeat the Washington Nationals 5-0 on Friday.

Markakis was activated before the game after missing 44 games with a left wrist fracture. He went 2-for-4 with a double, scored a run, drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and made three nice catches in left field in his return.

Soroka (12-4), who had battled a stomach virus the last two days, gave up only one hit and earned his first career win against Washington. He gave up three walks and struck out four. Soroka lowered his ERA to 2.57, second in the major leagues.

The Braves (92-57) increased their lead over the Nationals (81-65) to 9 1/2 games in the National League East. Atlanta lowered the magic number to win its second straight division championship to six.